Mike Curotto's Vintage Ludwigs

By Salman Haqqi

Published May 8, 2009

Ludwig & Ludwig Standard Model

Era 1930 — ’35

Finish Streaked Opal

Dimensions 14" x 6.5"

On the market for five years, Streaked Opal enjoyed a bit longer shelf life than last month’s featured snare, the Ludwig & Ludwig Marble Pearl Super Model (which was barely available for a year). This solid-mahogany shell snare featured the Professional strainer (or as we collectors call it, the “Time Piece” strainer). Ludwig & Ludwig catalogs of the day listed its 14" x 6.5" dimension as an Orchestra Model to help differentiate it from the smaller 14" x 5" and 14" x 4" shell sizes that were introduced in the ’30s to address the growing popularity of dance bands. It also helped make this size one of the most rare and collectible of the era.